§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many times he has visited Brussels since he took office to discuss Welsh agriculture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have visited Brussels on a number of occasions to discuss Welsh agriculture. Apart from the negotiations on the sheepmeat regime in which I took part, the United Kingdom's representation in 545W discussions with European Community Ministers on the common agriculture policy is effectively led by a single Minister and takes full account of the interests of Wales. A senior official of my Department is normally present on these occasions to advise on specifically Welsh interests.